Textbook in PDF format

This book offers a didactic introduction to light–matter interactions at both the classical and semi-classical levels. Pursuing an approach that describes the essential physics behind the functionality of any optical element, it acquaints students with the broad areas of optics and photonics. Its rigorous, bottom-up approach to the subject, using model systems ranging from individual atoms and simple molecules to crystalline and amorphous solids, gradually builds up the reader’s familiarity and confidence with the subject matter. Throughout the book, the detailed mathematical treatment and examples of practical applications are accompanied by problems with worked-out solutions. In short, the book provides the most essential information for any graduate or advanced undergraduate student wishing to begin their course of study in the field of photonics, or to brush up on important concepts prior to an examination.
Selected Facets of the Light–Matter Interaction in Classical Physics
Introduction.
Simplest Model Treatment of the Classical Interaction of Light with Matter.
A Pedestrian’s Guide to Quantum Mechanics
Waves as Particles and Particles as Waves.
The Schrödinger Equation and Model System I.
Operators in Quantum Mechanics and Model System II.
Einstein Coefficients and Quantum Transitions.
Planck’s Formula and Einstein Coefficients.
Energy Levels and Spectroscopic Properties of Simple Atoms
The Hydrogen Atom.
The Helium Atom.
Introduction to Molecular Physics and Spectroscopy
The Hydrogen Molecule.
Optical Spectra of Molecules.
From Atoms and Molecules to Continuous Media.
Optical Properties of Continuous Media
Linear Optical Constants I.
Linear Optical Constants II: Classical Dispersion Models.
Linear Optical Constants III: The Kramers–Kronig Relations.
Optical Properties of Solids
Introduction to Solid-State Physics.
Introduction to Solid-State Optics.
Basic Effects of Nonlinear Optics.
Solutions to Tasks